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Win-Win Scenarios: How Nigerians Are The Biggest Beneficiaries Of Atiku And Peter Obi’s Coalition Attempt

Published

10 months ago

May 21, 2024.

“In a democracy, the opposition is not only tolerated as constitutional but must be maintained because it is indispensable.” – Walter Lippmann.

The resilience of democracy depends on the strength of its opposition. A robust opposition challenges the status quo and pushes the government to perform beyond its ordinary capacities.

Without a strong opposition, the ruling party may become complacent, leading to a lack of innovation and responsiveness to the needs of the people.

Globally, the success of democratic governments is bolstered by vibrant opposition. Oppositions do not only criticize government missteps but also strive to replace the government in power.

The competitive drive for electoral victory forces the incumbent government to address its shortcomings with better policies and programs to meet the people’s needs.

President Bola Tinubu

This dynamic has led to significant development in advanced countries. With a formidable opposition, the people ultimately decide the fate of the incumbent.

The absence of a strong opposition has contributed to Nigeria’s regression over the years. At both national and sub-national levels, the party in power often dominates the opposition.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which ruled the country from 1999 until its unceremonious ouster in 2015, governed without the fear of losing elections. Corruption scandals, disregard for the rule of law, and excessive governance costs marred the PDP’s 16-year reign.

Unfortunately, the All Progressives Congress (APC), voted into power in 2015 amidst a change mantra, has not fared any better. Due to a lack of clear political ideology, opposition heavyweights often align with the party in power for personal gains, weakening the opposition.

The Atiku/Obi Alliance

Recently, the potential alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi has dominated political discourse in Nigeria. This is linked to recent meetings between Peter Obi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and other top members of the PDP.

Notably, Peter Obi, who contested the last presidential election under the Labour Party, was Atiku’s running mate in their unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2019.

While the success of this alliance remains to be seen, its potential benefits for Nigerians are significant.

In less than a year in office, the Bola Tinubu administration has implemented several policies that have reduced Nigerians’ purchasing power. Majorly, the removal of fuel subsidies, partial removal of electricity subsidies, and unification of foreign exchange rates have led to skyrocketing prices of goods and services.

Although the government has announced several programmes to alleviate this hardship, the overall implementation of these policies needs a human touch.

2023 Presidential Election Results Graphic Lifted from PUNCH

There’s no easier way to achieve this than through a united opposition. With the substantial votes garnered by both Atiku and Obi in the 2023 presidential election, their coalition has the potential to pose a formidable challenge to the ruling party.

This alliance would compel the current government to prioritize the welfare of the people in its policy formulation and implementation, ultimately benefiting all Nigerians.

Even if for nothing else, the fear of losing power would be enough to drive the government to conduct its affairs with utmost diligence and integrity.

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